A Tennessee school crowned a gay teen as Homecoming Royalty for 2019. The Memphis senior came dressed in an extravagant sequined gown to accept his award on Friday.
Brandon Allen, aWhite Station High School student who identifies as gay and refers to himself as the "Queen of Extra," said he wanted to look and feel like royalty during homecoming.
"I want to rock a dress and look like a queen,” he told The Huffington Post on Monday.
This year, the school got rid of gendered homecoming king and queen titles, opting instead for a Homecoming Royalty crown award.
“Don’t you dare ever change yourself for anyone else but you! You are beautiful you are unique and you’re special. Don’t ever second guess your existence or feelings for a second,” he said.
Unfortunately, when the high school posted his homecoming photo on their page, it was inundated with negative and ignorant comments about Allen.
In a tweet, Shelby County Schools superintendent Joris Ray defended the school's right to give the crown to Allen.
Regarding @SpartansWSHS Homecoming: Shelby County Schools policy prohibits discrimination, and the District is committed to ensuring a positive and respectful school environment where everyone is treated with dignity. Homecoming queen and king is a tradition…
— Dr. Joris M. Ray (@SCSSuptRay) September 29, 2019
…based 100 percent on student votes. As Superintendent, I support student voice and expression.
— Dr. Joris M. Ray (@SCSSuptRay) September 29, 2019
Principal Carrye Holland eventually posted her own comment defending Allen under the photo.
"Here’s the thing: it’s Brandon’s right to run for homecoming court under Title IX. It’s the students’ choice of who they want to support as homecoming royalty. I’m exceedingly proud to be the principal of our amazing school," she wrote on Facebook.
"You don’t have to agree but disrespectful comments will be deleted. WSHS loves and supports everyone regardless of who they are or what they believe. Thank you for the love and light from so many of you," she added.
Students at the school defended their principal during interviews, telling the Huffington Post that Holland truly cares about students.
“I am so happy my principal stood up for me,” Allen told The Huffington Post. “She is such an awesome principal."